8.14.2009

So, I have been stressing out about the rug for my new family room for weeks. It's ridiculous because I know there are people with way worse problems than this. But some of you may identify with my need to make everything "perfect," and it is this need that stresses me out when I re-do a room.

I wanted a rug that would "warm up" the room, color-wise, but not overpower it. I also wanted one that would be comfortable for my family to roll around on, and that would hide some of the inevitable kid and doggie stains. I fell in love with a sisal one at Pottery Barn, but the rough texture of the sisal meant that there would be no cozying up on that rug, and the lack of pattern mean that there was nothing to hide the inevitable stains.

Enter Craig's List.

I have been randomly searching "brown rug" on Craig's List for weeks. The other day, this one popped up. It's the Graham rug from Pottery Barn, now discontinued but still gorgeous! And the best part was that it was in great shape, was a mere 15 miles up the highway from me, and cost only $275. That's compared to the original price of $700 or more.

It's gotten a hefty steam cleaning, and it fits perfectly with the new colors in the room.

Henry likes it too!

I will take a moment now to apologize that I have not been around much this week to visit all of you in blogland. My little girl, above, started pre-school yesterday, and this mama's heart has been breaking a little bit all week. Toss in the fact that today is her 3rd birthday, and that we have planned not one, but two parties (one for family and one for all her little friends) this weekend, and I am barely functioning.

I hope to catch my breath early next week and be back around. In the meantime, let's all celebrate the wonders of Craig's List.

When I first moved to the Pacific NW 4 years ago a friend told me about Craigslist. I had never heard of it before, but now I LOVE it! I haven't bought much on it, but I've sold a lot. Your room remodel looks great, too, btw.

Gotta love Craigs List! (Someone should do a blog party where everyone shows something special they got on there!)Anyway, your rung looks beautiful in there! I love how big it is, and that it has a pattern that doesn't overwhelm. Also, your coffer table is adorable? New, or just moved from another room?

Lotta comments from me here, I know. But would you mind telling me your wall paint brand and color? We are getting paint ideas for our 1st house and I am looking for a light tanish color. Living with it everyday, how do you like this one?

Your heart is breaking as she leaves for pre-school? Wow..I thought pre-school was just to learn how to sit still all day while "learning" and I thought it was optional. Why oh Why do you feel obligated to ship her off?

She is looking like such a big girl! I remember when I first started reading your blog last year - she still had so much baby in her. The change is amazing. My BFF's name is Nina and so I just have such an affection for that name anyway. She's a doll. Happy Birthday, Nina! The rug is a beaut btw!

Awesome deal on your rug and it's beautiful! Aw, my little girl is going to be home with me one more year and it is going to be bittersweet when she goes off to school. I'm putting her in a one hour ballet class once a week in the fall to get her used to other children. Your Nina looks excited to be going off to school!

Yea for Nina!!! Pre-school is huge-(for mom).Love your rug-I am not sure about Craig's list-I have had some good things, and bad things happen from it-I have yet to find me a PB rug on there!Good job on that!

I have scored all my best bargains off of Craig's list, including a beautiful leather couch for about a tenth (or less) of the new cost. I also got my favorite purse, a cute chest of drawers, an old multi-paned window, 2 wingbacked chairs to match the couch, and I can't remember what all!I agree with MegJill - you need to hold a blog party and have everyone put pictures up of their best finds!And Happy Birthday, little Nina!

I don't know if you will read this message as this post is 6 months old! I just stumbled upon your blog and LOVE your decorating ideas. I wanted to know how you steam cleaned your new rug? Did you do it yourself or send it out for cleaning?

When I was a little girl, my dad dubbed me "The Queen Bee," most likely because I was the firstborn in the family and was always planning a new project! I am now a wife to Brent, mama to three little ones, Nina, Henry and Vivian, and (very) amateur decorator and organizer, which means I still have an ever-evolving list of projects! Hmmm...maybe I'm still the Queen Bee after all!